TrueCrypt

For this week’s blog I looked at some different encryption tools. To encourage people to actually use encryption, it has to be easy to use. One tool I looked at was TrueCrypt. TrueCrypt is an opensource free encryption tool that has many of the same features as Microsoft’s Bitlocker. It can encrypt folders and drives. There is a portable version that works with USB drives. It is quite easy to use. The TrueCrypt folder acts like a drive. Normal folder operations can be used and it will automatically handle the encryption and decryption. Data in the encrypted folder is never stored in an unencrypted form on the drive but only in memory. It works with Windows, Linux, and Apple. BitLocker only works with the professional version of Windows, which limits its use. TrueCrypt has a boot loading feature that allows the system to boot from an encrypted disk. TrueCrypt has several strong encryption methods available including AES. TrueCrypt has a stenographic method available which create a hidden volume or even a hidden boot drive. If I were in a work situation where people were doing work on personal devices or taking work out on USB drives, I would encourage the use of TrueCrypt.

http://www.truecrypt.org/